Dataset Information

COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

The shift in the national focus and allocation of resources to the management of COVID19 has led to significant changes to surgical practice including the delay of elective surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of such changes on surgeons.

Method

Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general surgery consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors from a major tertiary hospital in the Dublin region between March-May 2020. Data collection proceeded iteratively using a thematic analysis approach with quality controls such as memoing and collaborative analysis.

Results

Fourteen surgeons (8 male, 6 female) were interviewed. The majority (n = 11, 78.6%) were NCHDs. Significant themes determined included 'impacts' on a variety of constructs such as performance, self-reported fatigue and wellbeing. Training themes elucidated included the effects of the cancellation of elective admissions on reduced operative exposure for trainees. Senior surgical staff were particularly focused on increased complexity in patient management. New policy requirements such as personal protective equipment use and novel rotas have had implications for aspects of work engagement. The pandemic and subsequent national restrictions imposed has afforded opportunities for improved well-being but also resulted in greater solitude in surgeons.

Conclusions

Rhetoric surrounding fatigue management and virus control dominates the conversation on the relationship between COVID-19 and surgery. Tipping the balance back to parity of fatigue management with service delivery in surgery will be key for sustainability of the surgical workforce.

SUBMITTER: Whelehan DF

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7396881 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training.

Whelehan Dale F DF Connelly Tara M TM Ridgway Paul F PF

The surgeon : journal of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Edinburgh and Ireland 20200803 1

<h4>Purpose</h4>The shift in the national focus and allocation of resources to the management of COVID19 has led to significant changes to surgical practice including the delay of elective surgery. The aim of this study was to explore the implications of such changes on surgeons.<h4>Method</h4>Using a qualitative study design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with general surgery consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors from a major tertiary hospital in the Dublin region between ...[more]

PMID: 32807661

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Dataset Information

COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training.

Purpose

Method

Results

Conclusions

Publications

COVID-19 and surgery: A thematic analysis of unintended consequences on performance, practice and surgical training.

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